Association between nutritional status, consumption of FODMAPs and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by change in bowel habits, associated with pain and / or abdominal discomfort, which affects about 3% to 25% of the world population. Most people with IBS suffer from food intolerances. The most common intolerances are related to the intake of short chain carbohydrates, which together receive the name FODMAPs - fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Regarding the nutritional status of patients with IBS, there is no consensus regarding the association between the syndrome and adiposity markers. However, some studies have found a positive association between increased BMI and symptoms of IBS. It is noteworthy that IBS is a clinical condition with major impact on quality of life. Faced with the challenge that IBS represents for health professionals in its management and the costs in health care of the disease, the present study will aim to investigate the association between nutritional status, lifestyle, food intake, quality of life, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.Methods: cross-sectional study with 72 individuals, ranging from 20 to 59 years old, including both gender and with medical diagnosis of IBS. Nutritional assessment: weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference and triceps skinfold. Lifestyle assessment: physical activity by International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ, smoking status, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation by the Sleepiness Scale Epworth. The consumption of FODMAPs will be assessed by applying a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The gastrointestinal severity scale, the scale of Bristol and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life Instrument will be applied. Perspectives: The elucidation of these relationships may provide a basis for greater awareness by health professionals of the need for multidisciplinary treatment of these patients, as well as to guide the development of intervention strategies that contribute to the management of symptoms of IBS, ensuring the patients the maintenance or achieving a healthy nutritional status and quality of life.